Information on the Romanian national identity card was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

A consular officer with the Embassy of Romania, in correspondence with the Research Directorate, stated that the current version of the identity card was introduced by the Romanian government on 14 April 1997 and has remained unchanged since (6 Dec. 2004).

The consular officer also indicated that according to Law 105/25.09.1996, every Romanian living in Romania is issued an identity card from age 14 (6 Dec. 2004). The current card, introduced in 1997, is valid for ten years, after which period a new card is issued. For people over 55 years of age, cards remain valid until the time of their death (Embassy of Romania 6 Dec. 2004). Law 105/1996 indicates that the validity of a temporary card - provided to someone who does not have all the required documents at the time of application - cannot exceed one year (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Embassy of Romania in Canada. 6 December 2004. Correspondence from a consular officer.

Internet sites, including: Embassy of Romania in Canada, Embassy of Romania in the United States, European Union, Evenimentul Zilei, Mediafax, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania.